Transient Held For Investigation Of Attempted Murder Of Denver Officer

DENVER (CBS4) - CBS4 has learned that a 26-year-old Denver transient has been jailed for investigation of attempted murder after he attacked a female Denver police officer, attempted to wrestle away her gun, and later said he "would have killed her" if he had obtained her weapon.

Stephen K. Hamper is being held in the Denver city jail for one count of investigation of attempted murder.

According to police sources, Officer Aubree Thompson was sent to contact Hamper Saturday after he was seen washing his clothes near Interstate 25 and South Downing Street. When Hamper failed to respond to the officer's questions she attempted to handcuff him, and according to a written report, "He attacked the officer."

The report states that Hamper, who is listed as 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, attempted to get Thompson's gun, but she was able to keep it from him.

Several citizens called 911 to report what they saw and three citizens driving by came to the officer's aid, stopping in traffic and tackling the suspect, according to an account shared with CBS4 Investigator Brian Maass.

The report states that "the suspect made a statement to officers, that if he could have gotten the officer's gun he would have killed her."

Thompson was hospitalized Saturday but was apparently released.